Types of learning

Find out about the different types of learning available at City of Bristol College and think about how you might progress.

A Levels

A Levels are highly valued by universities and employers who hold academic knowledge and skills in high regard. A Levels could be the right choice for you if you want to study a range of subjects and you perform well in exams.

How will you learn? A Levels are studied over two years. Most students study three A Levels. You will be taught at college by specialist teachers who will enhance your learning where possible with trips, visits, external speakers and work experience or real work projects. Subjects that include practical work will have access to specialist facilities and resources. How will your work be assessed? A Levels are mainly assessed by external exams at the end of two years. Mock exams will be held at the end of year one, though some courses may include coursework as an additional form of assessment.

Course levels and entry requirements A Levels are level 3 qualifications. You will need to meet our general entry requirements to study A Levels and some subjects have additional specific entry requirements (see page 15). We offer a range of pathways in to A Levels including: business and law, science, humanities, social science and creative. What can you do when you complete your A Levels? A Levels are an important route onto a range of university-level courses as well as into jobs with great prospects. You might also choose to start an apprenticeship after your A Levels, either as a route into a career with training, or as a way to earn and learn before progressing onto higher education at college or university.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a fast growing training and progression route in a wide range of industry sectors. As an apprentice, you will work and train with an employer and they will pay you a wage while you develop work-related skills, knowledge and experience and gain a qualification. We offer more than 30 career paths to choose from.

How will you learn? You will undertake a real job for your employer, learning most of the skills and knowledge you need from your work colleagues and by actually doing the job. You will also learn from specialist college staff, either at college or in work, and you will have opportunities to meet and work with other apprentices. The length of your apprenticeship will depend on the level of your training and the industry sector.

How will your work be assessed? You will complete a combination of knowledge and work-based competence assignments to demonstrate your learning this will be formally tested by an end-point assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. Apprenticeship levels and entry requirements We provide apprenticeship training from levels 2 - 6 to support a range of abilities, careers, employers and industries.

Level 2 Apprenticeships Standards

Providing you with functional skills and a relevant knowledge-based qualification. Entry requirements: GCSEs at grade 5-2 or equivalent in maths and English

Level 3 Apprenticeship Standards

You will gain valuable skills and training with a knowledge–based qualification. Entry requirements: GCSEs at grade 9-3 or equivalent in maths and English or level 2 apprenticeship

Level 4/5 Apprenticeship Standards

The most challenging yet rewarding apprenticeship providing you with the skills you need. There are knowledgebased qualifications such as Foundation Degrees.

Entry requirements: GCSEs at grade 9-4 or equivalent and A Levels or a level 3 college course or level 3 apprenticeship

The length of training will vary depending on the apprenticeship level and the job you are being employed to do. You will also work towards gaining a Competency Certificate, Technical Certificate and English, Maths and IT Certificate, for those who haven’t achieved a grade 4 in these subjects at GCSE. What can you do when you complete your apprenticeship? Whatever your starting point, when you complete your apprenticeship, you will have opportunities to progress your training and your career. You may be able to stay with your employer, either as a permanent member of staff, or progress onto a new higher level apprenticeship to further develop within the company. You may seek an apprenticeship or job with another company or, depending on your qualifications, you could return to further study at college or university.